The Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration has ordered 5 officials to urgently assist in government service to prevent evidence tampering after entertainment operators in Patong, Phuket, expressed their opposition to extortion and called on the government to resolve licensing and bribery issues.
On 20 May 2026, Mr. Narucha Kosasivilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, issued order no. 1512/2569 regarding the assignment of officials to assist in government service. The order stated that following reports on social media about complaints from the public and representatives of entertainment operators in Phuket, which could affect the image of the Ministry of Interior and the Department of Provincial Administration as well as public trust in government agencies, it is for the benefit of the government and to expedite the investigation process, ensure fairness to all parties, and reduce the impact of the situation in the area. Under the authority of Section 32 of the Government Administration Act B.E. 2534 (1991) and its amendments, five officials will be assigned to assist at the Department of Provincial Administration from 25 May to 24 June 2026 as follows.
1. Mr. Rungrueng Thimabut, Phuket Provincial Secretary, is assigned to assist at the College of Local Administration, Department of Provincial Administration. His duties include providing advice on training, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on the development of civil servants, government employees, staff, and local administration personnel, as well as supporting related agencies.
2. Mr. Siwatch Rawangkul, Chief District Officer of Mueang Phuket, is assigned to assist at the Office of Local Administration Management, Department of Provincial Administration. His responsibilities include advising on local administration management and development, including overseeing the work of subdistrict chiefs, village headmen, assistant village headmen, local doctors, subdistrict police officers, and village committees.
3. Ms. Wilailak Ruangphon, Chief District Officer of Thalang, is assigned to assist at the Academic and Planning Division, Department of Provincial Administration. Her duties include advising, proposing policies, planning, implementing measures, monitoring, and evaluating the operations of the Department of Provincial Administration.
4. Mr. Akkharaphon Sutthirak Jitsupap, Chief District Officer of Kathu, is assigned to assist at the Communication Division, Department of Provincial Administration. He is responsible for advising on communication between provinces, districts, subdistricts, and villages, as well as supporting the operations of related agencies.
5. Mr. Danai Suksakul, Provincial Protection Officer of Phuket, is assigned to assist at the Secretariat Office, Department of Provincial Administration. His duties include managing public relations and promoting the department's activities, along with supporting operations of other related agencies.
Reporters noted that this order was issued because the Director-General did not want these five officials to be involved with evidence after entertainment operators and staff in Bangla Soi, Patong Beach, Kathu District, Phuket, united to oppose extortion and demands for benefits from government officials. They also called on relevant agencies to urgently resolve licensing issues and ensure fairness for operators in the area.
This aligns with the case when Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, visited to monitor the resolution of influential figures occupying public areas at Freedom Beach, Phuket, on 10 May. He emphasized the need for a systematic solution to this problem.
